Why Do Fools Fall In Love
Diana Ross Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Ooh wah, ooh wah
Ooh wah, ooh wah
Ooh wah, ooh wah

Why do fools fall in love?
Why do birds sing so gay
And lovers await the break of the day
Why do they fall in love?
Why does the rain fall from up above?
Why do fools fall in love?
Why do they fall in love?

Love is a losing game
Love can be a shame
I know, I'm a fool you see
For that fool is me

Tell me why
Tell me why

Why do birds sing so gay
And lovers await the break of the day
Why do they fall in love?
Why does the rain fall from up above?
Why do fools fall in love?
Why do they fall in love?

Why does my heart
Skip a crazy beat?
For I know
It will reach defeat

Tell me why
Tell me why
Why do fools fall in love?




Tell me why
Tell me why

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Diana Ross's "Why Do Fools Fall In Love" explore the complex and often bewildering nature of love. The song begins with a variation of the "ooh wah" vocal refrain, setting a playful and whimsical tone. The singer then asks why fools fall in love and why birds sing so cheerfully, highlighting the sense of joy and excitement that accompanies new love. She also questions why the rain falls from above and why love can feel like a losing game or a source of shame.


As the song progresses, the singer reveals that she herself is a fool in love, experiencing a racing heart and impending sense of defeat. Ultimately, she returns to the refrain of "why do fools fall in love?" acknowledging the universal mystery that surrounds the experience of falling in love.


Through its catchy melody and relatable lyrics, "Why Do Fools Fall In Love" has become a timeless classic that continues to resonate with listeners today.


Line by Line Meaning

Ooh wah, ooh wah
Sound effects to set the mood


Why do fools fall in love?
Questioning the reason for falling in love despite the risks


Why do birds sing so gay
Wondering why nature seems to celebrate love


And lovers await the break of the day
Highlighting the excitement and anticipation love brings


Why do they fall in love?
Reiterating the question of the main chorus


Why does the rain fall from up above?
Questioning why love can bring both pleasant and unpleasant experiences


Why do fools fall in love?
Continuing to contemplate the risks of falling in love


Why do they fall in love?
Repeating the question to emphasize the main theme


Love is a losing game
Expressing the notion that love can be risky and lead to heartbreak


Love can be a shame
Acknowledging the stigma and criticism that can come with love


I know, I'm a fool you see
Confessing to the personal experience of being in love despite the risks


For that fool is me
Accepting the label of being a 'fool' for falling in love


Why does my heart
Asking a personal question about the singer's experience with love


Skip a crazy beat?
Describing the feeling of intense excitement and anticipation associated with love


For I know
Acknowledging the singer's awareness of the risks of love


It will reach defeat
Expressing the likelihood of experiencing heartbreak and disappointment in love


Tell me why
Reiterating the main question of the song


Tell me why
Repeating the question for emphasis




Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: MORRIS LEVY, FRANKIE LYMON

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comments from YouTube:

sauquoit13456

On this day in 1981 {November 29th} a covered version of "Why Do Fools Fall In Love"* by Diana Ross peaked at #2 {for 3 weeks} on Billboard's Easy Listening chart, for its first two weeks at #2, the #1 record for both those weeks was "The Old Songs" by Barry Manilow and for its third week at #2, "Yesterdays Songs" by Neil Diamond was in the top spot...
"Why Do Fools Fall In Love" peaked at #7 {for 2 weeks} on Billboard's Top 100 chart...
Between 1970 and 2006 the Detroit, Michigan native had thirty records on the Easy Listening chart, thirteen made the Top 10 with four reaching #1; "Touch Me in The Morning" for one week in July of 1973, "Last Time I Saw Him" for three weeks in February of 1974, "Theme from Mahogany (Do You Know Where You're Going To)" for one week in November of 1975, and "Endless Love {with Lionel Richie} for three weeks in August of 1981...
Five of her thirty charted records were duets; one each with Marvin Gaye, Michael Jackson, Lionel Richie, Julio Iglesias, and Rod Stewart...
Diana Ross, born Diane Ross, celebrates her 78th birthday this coming March 26th, 2022...
* "Why Do Fools Fall In Love" was her first of two of her records to peak at #2, her other #2 record was "All of You" {with Julio Iglesias} for two weeks in September of 1984...
And from the 'For What It's Worth' department, the remainder of Easy Listening Top 10 on November 29th, 1981:
At #3. "Yesterday's Songs" by Neil Diamond
#4. "Here I Am" by Air Supply
#5. "Oh No" by The Commodores
#6. "Waiting For A Girl Like You" by Foreigner
#7. "Comin' In and Out of Your Life" by Barbra Streisand
#8. "I Want You I Need You" by Chris Christian
#9. "Castles In the Air" by Don McLean
#10. "Turn Your Love Around" by George Benson



Randy Torrez

RANDY JUDAH TALK 🎼❤️<><*☑️
I love the BASS🎸 arrangement in this sONg.

the chords that are played in it make me feel really good and happy, this is one of those sONg's that literally gives me chills DYNAMIC.‼️


Listening on October 11, 2021
@2:34pm great inspiration. 🎹


'



All comments from YouTube:

TheReturnofStephan1

Not only did Diana Ross produce a fine update to a great classic, she also brought Frankie Lymon's artistry to the attention of a new generation.:)

Anubis Johnson

CORRECT!.. SHE BROUGHT IT TO A NEW GENERATION. NOT TOO MENTION HER BAD ASS OUTFIT WAY AHEAD OF EVERYONE ELSE IN THE INDUSTRY! 💯🥰🌹

Addicted2PCBH

This song....will always bring JOY to my heart.

Ray Gordon Teaches Chess

Nothing like the JOY it brought to the hearts of the lawyers whose kids were put through Harvard by fees from the resulting litigation after this song made Frankie Lymon's estate rich.

Daniel R

Most definitely 🙏🏻amen

trn17

I love this song, such fun to jam and dance to. This whole album was tight.

DreamInColor09

I love this, Diana did a great job!

Dave Wollenberg

Billboard's #54 hit of the '82 survey year. Diana hit #7 in Billboard, 12-19-81. God bless you, sister Diana!

Lewis Carey

20,000,000 reasons why Ross The Boss left Motown!! Energy level second to none!!! I am the fool who fell in love!! Thanks Diana! Been listening to you since 1965!!!!! 💅💅💅

Ray Garcia

I love this woman and her music.

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